Tips for a Toxin-Free Home
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Simple do's and don'ts to help avoid toxics!
| Do |
Don't |
|---|---|
| Drink low-fat or non-fat milk, soy milk or other products; breastfeed infants. | Two-thirds of our average exposure to dioxin occurs via eating high-fat dairy & meat products from cows that have grazed on pastures contaminated by dioxin. |
| Use metal, wood, glass or other non-plastic products. | Bottles & other plastic items with a "3" recycling symbol might contain phthalates & also emit dioxin when burned; those with a "7" might contain bisphenol-a (BPA). |
| Consider mattresses with wool (a natural flame retardant) fill. | Most mattresses with synthetic fill are likely to include certain toxic flame retardants (PBDEs). |
| Use digital, mercury-free models; programmable thermostats can also help save energy. | Many older thermostats & thermometers contain mercury; recycle them properly with your older household hazardous waste. |
| Create a tobacco smoke free environment. | Don't allow smokers to smoke inside. |
| Use Epson, IBM, Dell & Apple products; HP printers; Panasonic phones & fax machines. | Some other brands may contain PBDE flame retardants; be sure to ask if you are not sure. |
| Buy solid wood, organic cotton toys. For plastic toys pick those that are PVC- and phthalate free. Phthalate free toys are available from Early Start Guidecraft; Lamaze & The Natural Baby Catalogue. | Try to avoid toys made out of soft plastic vinyl that often contains phthalates & can emit dioxins if burned as trash. |
| Recycle as much as possible. | Don't burn trash, especially PVC plastics, which when burned emit dioxins. |
| Use pet combs, frequent vacuuming & other non-toxic controls of fleas. | Many flea collars, sprays & dips contain dangerous pesticides. |
| Limit lawn areas & grow native plants adapted to the Northwest. | Pesticides such as weed killers & insecticides should be used as a last resort, if at all. |
| Use diatomaceous earth & other less toxic controls. | Most commercial ant & roach killers contain toxic pesticides. |
Want to know more about the
why and how to be eco-healthy?
Here is a link to specific information on health impacts and resources to help you create an eco-healthy home.